Cracking Open the Acer Iconia Tab (A500)

The Acer Iconia Tab A500 is one of several 10-inch Android tablets priced below the Apple iPad. It has a stylish exterior, dual-core processor, and comes in 16GB and 32GB versions. Follow along as I crack open the Iconia Tab A500 for a look at the hardware inside.

Along the bottom edge of the Acer Iconia Tab A500 is the device's docking port.

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublicCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Published: August 22, 2011 -- 06:42 GMT (23:42 PDT)

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

The Acer Iconia Tab's volume button, screen rotation lock switch, and microSD card slot are located along the top edge.

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublicCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Published: August 22, 2011 -- 06:42 GMT (23:42 PDT)

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Along the Acer Iconia Tab's right side are the DC-in jack, Micro USB, USB port, and reset button.

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublicCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Published: August 22, 2011 -- 06:42 GMT (23:42 PDT)

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The Micro HDMI power, headphone jack, and power button are located along the Acer Iconia Tab's left side.

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublicCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Published: August 22, 2011 -- 06:42 GMT (23:42 PDT)

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On the back of the Acer Iconia Tab, you'll find the the 5MP camera and LED flash.

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublicCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Published: August 22, 2011 -- 06:42 GMT (23:42 PDT)

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The small cover along the Acer Iconia Tab's top edge hides the microSD card slot and second slot that's cover with a thin piece of gray plastic. This second slot will likely be used for the upcoming 3G version's SIM card.

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublicCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Published: August 22, 2011 -- 06:42 GMT (23:42 PDT)

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The Acer Iconia Tab has no external case screws. Luckily, the back cover is very easy to remove. Using a thin metal blade, I started near the docking port and popped loose the cover's plastic catches.

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublicCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Published: August 22, 2011 -- 06:42 GMT (23:42 PDT)

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Once the Acer Iconia Tab's cover was loose, I switched to a plastic spudger to avoid damaging the case. Working my way around the case, I popped loose all the plastic tabs in a few minutes.

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublicCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Published: August 22, 2011 -- 06:42 GMT (23:42 PDT)

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When the Acer Iconia Tab A500 was released, only Wi-Fi versions were available. Acer has indicated that it will launch a 3G or 4G version of the Iconia Tab (A501) in mid 2011. There's already a spot for the 3G or 4G card inside the A500.

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublicCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Published: August 22, 2011 -- 06:42 GMT (23:42 PDT)

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Upon removing the Acer Iconia Tab's back cover, I noticed the left speaker was damaged. I did not cause the damage when removing the back cover, so it must have come from the factory this way. I'm not sure how, or if the damage will affect the speaker's sound quality.

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublicCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Published: August 22, 2011 -- 06:42 GMT (23:42 PDT)

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

The Acer Iconia Tab's 3260 mAh, 24Wh Li-Polymer battery (BAT100) is held in place with standard Phillips screws.

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Published: August 22, 2011 -- 06:42 GMT (23:42 PDT)

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Before removing the Acer Iconia Tab's motherboard, I detached all the cables connecting it to other parts of the tablet.

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Published: August 22, 2011 -- 06:42 GMT (23:42 PDT)

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The Acer Iconia Tab was straightforward to open and disassemble. Provided you can get replacements parts, the average tech or tinkerer should have little trouble servicing this tablet.